Islamabad resumes daily life as PTI ends protest

Following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) decision to temporarily call off its high-profile sit-ins in Islamabad after intense clashes between security forces and protesters, life in the federal capital began returning to normal. Authorities have reopened roads that had been blocked for four days.

The motorways and link roads connecting Islamabad to surrounding areas are now fully operational, easing traffic flow and restoring routine activities in the city.

According to the authorities, M2 (connecting Islamabad to Lahore) and M1 (connecting Islamabad to Peshawar and Lahore to Sialkot) have been reopened. 

Similarly, M3, M4, and M5 were also unlocked for all types of traffic. Meanwhile, the exit routes in Faisalabad have been opened for traffic as well.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Memon, directed the concerned departments to immediately open all closed roads and ensure cleaning arrangements on all highways. 

However, the district administration has not yet permitted the reopening of petrol pumps. Notably, the administration had closed the petrol pumps in Sectors G6, G7, F6, and F7 in Islamabad the previous day.

After the clearance operations, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited several areas of Islamabad and instructed authorities to remove barriers and clean routes as soon as possible. 

"The conspiracy of mischief failed miserably as the Rangers officers and soldiers bravely repelled the protesters," he said, adding, "A peaceful Pakistan and Pakistanis have won."